CPD to maximize Twitter, texting to connect with community

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From Twitter to texting, the overhaul of Chicago’s community policing program took center stage for CPD superintendent Garry McCarthy today.

CAPS will use Twitter to alert residents to crimes plus give and get information. It’ll begin in three districts, Englewood, Harrison and River North, then go citywide, copying similar strategies in Toronto and Boston.
“During the Boston bombing, the social media use that the Boston police department was using to contact the public to put information out was very strong and got rave reviews, “McCarthy said at a news conference today.
911 calls are going hi-tech with the ability to text a picture to the police during an emergency call.

And CPD says you can tip by texting “crimes” and starting the message with “cpd”

“These features will provide accessible ways for the people of Chicago to connect with police,” McCarthy said. “They can give us information about crimes that are happening, help us solve crimes that have happened in the past and prevent crimes from happening in the future.”